Meet Our Team
Dr. David Elkin - President
David Elkin, an Emergency and Sports Medicine physician, serves as President of MagicAid. His interest in magic began early, impressing classmates with card tricks during middle school and developing into a lifelong passion for connecting with others. By 14, David joined the Academy of Magical Arts Junior program, performing at private events, fundraisers, and the renowned Magic Castle in Hollywood, where he captivated audiences, including celebrities. He also contributed to charitable events, including those for the Somaly Mam Foundation, supporting women rescued from human trafficking.
In high school, David started the work of MagicAid's mission, performing weekly for hospital patients and earning media attention, including a feature on ABC7 Eyewitness News. He also served on The Magic Castle’s committee, working on creative projects and enhancements that continue to inspire performers today.
While at Stony Brook University for medical school, David expanded MagicAid by training classmates to use magic to engage pediatric patients. By his graduation, there were over 100 members and MagicAid was established as a non-profit organization ready for national growth.
David’s leadership continues to shape MagicAid, blending his medical expertise and magic to create meaningful connections and enhance patient care.
Harrison Pravder serves as Vice President of MagicAid, bringing a unique blend of innovation and expertise to the organization. Currently a Pediatric Anesthesiology Fellow at Boston Children's Hospital-Harvard Medical School, he previously completed his residency at Yale-New Haven Hospital and earned his medical degree from Stony Brook School of Medicine.
Harrison’s involvement with MagicAid began in medical school, where he helped design its curriculum, led the group as President, and co-founded the non-profit as a founding director. His passion for non-pharmacologic anxiolysis continues to influence his clinical practice today, enhancing patient care through creative and compassionate approaches. He has also appeared in news segments showcasing MagicAid, including on Good Morning America.
As Research Director of MagicAid, he collaborates with investigators on impactful studies, maintains project standards, and presents MagicAid’s findings at international conferences. His academic interests include pediatric anesthesiology, non-pharmacologic anxiolysis, medical education, and wellness and professional development of medical trainees.
Outside the hospital, Harrison enjoys life in Boston. A devoted sports fan, he frequently attends Red Sox and Celtics games and enjoys snowy winters, traveling, and trying new restaurants and craft cocktail bars. His passion for adventure and dedication to advancing care reflect MagicAid’s mission to innovate and inspire.
Dr. Harrison Pravder - Vice President
Justin Willman is a magician & comedian known more recently as the creator and star of the hit Netflix series Magic for Humans. He is a regular on The Tonight Show, Ellen, Conan, and @Midnight. He's performed live at the White House for the first family, his online videos have racked up over 50 million views, and his debut comedy/magic special Sleight of Mouth just premiered on Comedy Central to rave reviews.
Justin is also a consultant & writer for film/television productions like America's Got Talent, The Goldbergs, and Disney's upcoming feature film Magic Camp.
The L.A. Times calls him, "A new breed of comic who's making magic cool again for grown-ups. " Playboy dubbed him, "The freshest and funniest magician working today." Time Out says his live show, "Has to be seen to be disbelieved."
Justin was born in St. Louis, lives in Los Angeles, and does not own a rabbit.
Justin Willman
Naomi learned her very first magic trick within her first month of medical school and has been sharing her enthusiasm for MagicAid with patients ever since. Naomi loves finding new ways to make magic unique for every patient and family, and helping patients express themselves through magic. As president of the Stony Brook medical student chapter from 2018 to 2019, Naomi extended her excitement and energy for MagicAid to training new magic therapists and expanding the chapter's to reach to patients at outpatient centers.
Now an Obstetrics and Gynecology resident at the University of Wisconsin, Naomi focuses on expanding MagicAid’s outreach through digital engagement. She promotes awareness of the organization’s mission to healthcare providers and the public. As social media director she promotes outreach to medical schools and hospitals around the country and inspires excitement in current and future members of the MagicAid family.
Outside the hospital Naomi enjoys baking, hiking, and teaching dance classes. She has 3 siblings, 2 passports, 1 cactus, and 0 pets.